PurplePTSD: Vikings Draft Profile: The Greek Water Polo Star Turned Purdue EDGE Rusher

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

Josh Frey

2022-02-10

The best way to describe George Karlaftis is versatile. Born in Greece, he grew up playing basketball and became a prodigy for the youth national water polo team. Then, in 2014 his father passed away, and his whole world was turned upside down. His mother moved him and his brothers to Indiana, and after one last stint with the water polo team, he turned his focus towards football in the U.S.

Since his high school days, he has gone onto Purdue where from day one, it has seemed like Karlaftis is destined for the NFL. Now just months away from the 2022 NFL Draft, he seems a lock to go in the first round. So, what has made this raw prospect such an intriguing talent, and should the Vikings have their eyes on him?

Statistics

Strengths

Karlaftis will go into the NFL as an EDGE with multiple intriguing strengths. He doesn’t have terrific pure speed, but he can beat opposing offensive lines in a number of ways. His explosive power allows him to plow through tackles as well as overpower double teams sent his way. This is how he got most of his wins during his freshman year in 2019; undoubtedly benefiting from his experience as a high school shot putter.

This may be his favorite way to beat opponents, but it is far from the only way he can cause mayhem in the backfield. Over the years, he has been taking full-on MMA lessons to improve his hand technique, and now he has countless moves to beat opponents. He has so many ways he can neutralize blocks and create leverage with his hands.

Additionally, with the water polo background, his endurance and motor on a snap-to-snap basis is unmatched. Even when matched up against more talented o-linemen, he usually will eventually get wins because he keeps. on. coming. The motor alone is worth a spot on an NFL roster, but combine it with some great moves and power, and there’s no question why he’s such a highly touted prospect.

Weaknesses

As mentioned, Karlaftis has all the tools to be a terrific power rusher in the NFL. However, he is not the most athletic specimen in this draft. He doesn’t have a true second gear when he gets into the backfield to track down ball carriers. This can be frustrating when he beats his man, only to watch as they escape his pressure.

Additionally, to make things worse he doesn’t seem like he has great length, which makes his lack of a second gear even more noticeable. Even when he does get his hands on someone, there are instances that occur too often where he misses tackles.

Finally, he may have a great repertoire of moves to choose from, but he still is learning when and where to use each of them. He tends to revert to either his power or spin move a little too often, and that can make him predictable. This is something that should improve with time, but it limits his immediate production in the NFL.

George Karlaftis’ Fit on the 2022 Minnesota Vikings

We’ve been through it multiple times already. The Vikings need to add some more star talent at the EDGE position in 2022. This could include bringing in a draft prospect with the 12th overall pick. Outside of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Aidan Hutchinson, I still believe that Karlaftis is the third best pass rusher in the 2022 NFL Draft class. If he’s available at 12, there is no question the Vikings should go after the Boilermaker.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.